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Senior Business Writer

LISTED agricultural concern, Ariston has a new Chief Executive Officer Mr Leon Wilhelm Nortier.

Mr Nortier takes over from Mr Paul Timothy Spear who retired on March 1, 2024, after 13 years in the position.

In a notice to shareholders, the firm said Mr Spear served the Group in several capacities for 27 years, of which 13 of those years were as the Group Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Spear is credited for his foresight that saw the company transform from being primarily a tea and coffee company, to being the first company to expand its product offering to venture into large-scale macadamia production for export in Zimbabwe.

“Recognising Paul’s invaluable agricultural expertise, the Board has retained Paul in a consultancy role for a period of twelve months.

“This will enable a smooth transfer for the incoming Chief Executive and more importantly, will enable him to continue to impart his skill and knowledge to the Group,” reads the notice.

The new CEO, Mr Nortier is a holder of  a Bachelor of Economics degree from Stellenbosch University and has 23 years’ experience farming in Southern Africa.

He was CEO  at African Farmer Group, a large-scale farming operation he established with operations in South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

His agricultural experience covers oil seed production, grain crops, horticulture, plantation crops, fibre, tobacco and livestock.